Majors
Major in Chemistry
Students graduating with a major in chemistry are prepared to enter graduate school, work in an industrial or government research laboratory, teach science at the secondary-school level, or begin further education in a health-related field such as medicine, dentistry, or veterinary science.
The major in chemistry is also an excellent beginning for further study and careers in fields such as environmental studies, law, business (chemical, pharmaceutical, and petroleum related companies), technical writing and editing, and scientific information retrieval.
Interested in graduate school or biochemistry? Consider pursuing the Major in Chemistry with ACS Approval or the Major in Chemistry with Concentration in Biochemistry.
Requirements for the Major in Chemistry
Core Curriculum
CHM 211, 212 (or equivalent) Chemical Principles I and II
CHM 221 Analytical Chemistry
CHM 311, 312 Organic Chemistry I and II
CHM 412 Physical Chemistry: Quantum Mechanics and Spectroscopy
CHM 413 Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics, Kinetics, and Statistical Mechanics
CHM 494 Independent Research
CHM 496, 499 Chemistry Research Seminar I and II
CHM 497, 498 Chemistry Literature Seminar I and II
MTH 151, 152 Calculus I and II
PHY 121, 122 General Physics I and II
Additional Course Requirements
CHM 422-427 Chemical Instrumentation
Three additional advanced chemistry courses
Recommended Courses
MTH 341 Differential Equations
PHL 305 Philosophy of Science
Participation in January Term field experience, an internship, Co-op (Argonne), or CHM 492 Independent Study is encouraged during junior and senior years.
Chemistry courses with a minimum grade of C and taken within the last 10 years may be transferred into the department.